Letters: David Rhem

The Chronicle deadline for receiving endorsement letters was July 23. Several letters arrived after the deadline and we were unable to print them in The Chronicle, but we are presenting them here for our online readers

David Rhem, candidate Ottawa County Circuit Judge

I am supporting David Rhem for Ottawa County Circuit Court Judge in the Aug. 3 primary, to fill the open seat created by Judge Calvin Bosman’s retirement. Rhem has strong roots in and commitment to Ottawa County. Born in Holland and growing up in Spring Lake, Rhem is a graduate of Spring Lake High School and Hope College. Rhem and Lori, his wife of 28 years, have three grown children, all graduates of Spring Lake High School. They are members of the First Presbyterian Church in Grand Haven. Rhem has worked and lived in Ottawa County for 35 years and has an excellent grounding, understanding and appreciation of Ottawa County, its people, and its values. Rhem’s community service in Ottawa County, reflecting his commitment to this area, includes membership in the Spring Lake Rotary Club, serving as president of his club. Rhem is a founding member and past president of the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance (LEDA), whose mission is to break down racial and ethnic barriers that prevent all residents from fully participating in the life of the community. Rhem is a HOSTS reading mentor, helping struggling elementary students improve their reading skills. He is also on the board of directors for Evergreen Village, a senior citizen housing community, and serves as vice president for the Ottawa County Bar Association. Rhem’s commitment to our youth is further reflected in coaching Little League baseball and serving on the Tri-Cities Kids League board. Finally, Rhem has participated in the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership West Michigan program and other Grand Haven area Chamber activities. All of these experiences, working with people from all walks of life, provide excellent preparation for becoming a judge. In addition, the legal skills Rhem will bring to the bench are top notch. He is a courtroom lawyer with 24 years of experience with Varnum LLP, one of the biggest law firms in Michigan. He has received the highest rating from Martindale-Hubbell for his ethics and professionalism. Rhem’s legal expertise has resulted in being recognized for three years in a row (2008-2010) by Best Lawyers in America. Rhem will bring his integrity, fairness, keen sense of justice, and sensibility to the bench. I invite readers to visit his website: www.DavidRhemforJudge.com. I am voting for David Rhem for Circuit Court Judge on Aug. 3 because I believe he is the best candidate for the position. Jane M. RuiterSpring Lake